Managing Director, Compass Key Site Solutions

Paul Naumoff

Scott Kupperman

Founder, Kupperman Location Solutions

Stephen Gray

CEO, Gray

Survey: Asian M&A Activity Rising

Area Development News Desk

06/11/2007

Several Asian nations are emerging as strong markets for mergers and acquisitions by global financial services companies, with China and India leading the way, according to a survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Forty-seven percent of survey responders - more than 200 senior financial executives in Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East - indicated their intention to execute a merger or buyout in China over the next five years, while 39 percent planned activity in India. Those surveyed also expressed high expectations for mergers and acquisitions in Taiwan, Pakistan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Indonesia. "Unlike the European market, the dominant domestic players in the more mature markets in particular areas of Asia are yet to fully flex their muscles on a regional basis," the report states.

One caveat for survey responders appears to be the opaque regulatory environment in China, which 42 percent cited as a barrier for foreign investment, compared to 23 percent for all of Asia.